Fulfill your dream of studying MBBS in India with Shiksha Planets

Author: Priynpo Jha

What to Do If Your NEET Score Is Low? Here's What No One Tells You

The NEET results are now out. You open the scorecard with hope in your heart, only to feel that gut punch of disappointment. It's not what you were aiming for. It’s not enough for a government seat.

You sit there, thinking, Now what?

We get it. It’s tough. But take a breath. You're not alone, and more importantly, you're not out of options. You’d be surprised how many smart, successful doctors started their journeys just like this.

Let’s walk through your next steps, practically and truthfully.

Step One: Understand What "Low Score" Really Means

"Low" is relative. Are you just under the government cut-off? Or did you barely cross the qualifying line? Either way, you've cleared NEET, and that's your ticket to possibilities.

Start by asking:

  • Are you willing to take another year to prepare?

  • Do you want to start college this year?

  • Is studying abroad something you and your family would consider?

Your answers shape your roadmap.

Step Two: Don’t Skip NEET Counselling Seriously

It may sound counterintuitive, but a lot can happen during the later counseling rounds. Even with modest marks, seats often open up during mop-up and stray vacancy phases.

Some private and deemed universities quietly accept students during these rounds. You might just get lucky, but only if you're in the system.

Tip: Register for both the All India Quota and your home state's counseling. Some states also run centralized counseling for private colleges, don’t miss that.

Step Three: Look Into Private Medical Colleges (The Right Way)

Private colleges in India offer a lifeline to many students every year. If you’ve cleared NEET, you’re eligible. Yes, the fees are higher, but the infrastructure, teaching quality, and opportunities can be excellent.

Some well-known private institutions include:

  • Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

  • DY Patil Medical College, Pune

  • SRM Medical College, Chennai

  • Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad

Most of these also offer management quota seats, where the cutoff score is often much lower. You’ll still need to attend counseling, but the competition is much more manageable.

At Shiksha Planets Medical, we guide you through these processes, no agents, no confusion, just direct assistance.

Step Four: MBBS Abroad Affordable, Legal, and Respected

Many students are choosing to study MBBS abroad, and not just as a last resort. In countries like Russia, Georgia, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, you can study at globally respected universities, many of which are NMC-approved and Indian-student friendly.

The perks?

  • Lower tuition (much less than private colleges in India)

  • English-taught programs

  • Indian mess facilities and support

  • International Exposure

  • No hidden donations or capitation fees

Bonus: NEET qualification is enough to apply; no separate entrance is needed.

Just remember: You’ll need to pass the FMGE/NExT exam later if you wish to practice in India, and we can help you prepare for that too.

Step Five: Don’t Trust Anyone Promising "MBBS Without NEET"

Here’s the harsh truth: anyone claiming you can study MBBS in India without NEET is either misinformed or dishonest.

NEET is mandatory by law for any MBBS seat in India, whether it's in a government or private college.

Some foreign universities may admit students without NEET, but if you haven’t cleared it, you can’t register as a medical practitioner in India after graduation.

Please, don’t fall into traps. Shiksha Planets Medical only works with MCI/NMC-recognized universities and legal admission routes.

Step Six: Planning to Take a Drop? Do It Smartly

A drop year isn’t a failure. It’s a commitment. Many top-rankers cleared NEET in their second or third attempt. The key is not whether you take a year, it’s how you use it.

Ask yourself:

  • Will I be more disciplined this time?

  • Do I have the right coaching support?

  • Can I handle the pressure without losing motivation?

If your heart is still in it, and you’re willing to work harder, a drop might be your best chance. Just make sure you plan it, don’t wing it.

Step Seven: Open Your Mind to Other Medical Careers

If MBBS isn't falling into place this year, don’t close the door on healthcare. There are powerful and rewarding alternatives that don’t require high NEET marks or, in some cases, NEET at all.

Courses to explore:

  • BAMS – Ayurvedic Medicine

  • BHMS – Homeopathy

  • BPT – Physiotherapy

  • B.Sc. Nursing

  • BMLT – Medical Lab Technology

  • B. Pharmacy – Huge scope in pharma companies and hospitals

These degrees open up jobs in hospitals, research, diagnostics, rehabilitation, pharma, public health, and more. Many are also valid pathways to work abroad.

One Bad Score Doesn’t Erase a Big Dream

We’ve worked with students who scored 120… 150… even 95 in NEET and helped them become doctors. Some are in Nepal. Some in Kazakhstan. Some in private colleges in Karnataka or Tamil Nadu. Today, they’re studying, practicing, and healing.

What made the difference wasn’t their score. It was their willingness to keep going.

So take a moment. Grieve if you must. Then get up. There are colleges waiting, countries welcoming, and careers still open. You just need to take that next step.

By Shiksha Planets Medical

www.medical.shikshaplanets.com +91-8800618038